Once Upon Two Times Review: Directed and written by Sonakshi Mittal, and produced by Pankaj Batra and Manoj Singh, the Zee5 family drama stars Anud Singh Dhaka as Ahaan Awasthi, Kashish Khan as Ruhi Roongta, Nitesh Pandey as Nipun Roongta, Sanjay Suri as Kaushik Awasthi, and Mrinal Kulkarni as Purnima Roongta.
Once Upon Two Times Plot
Ahaan Awasthi and Ruhi Roongta, college sweethearts navigating their mid-20s together, a period when uncertainty looms, aspirations entwined with illusions, and love holds the power to build or break. Ahaan cherishes Ruhi’s unwavering belief in him, surpassing even his own. However, facing a stagnant career as a musician, he decides to pursue business studies abroad. Before departing, intent on marrying Ruhi, they plan to introduce each other to their respective parents, embarking on a family trip. However, an unforeseen twist unfolds during this trip about their parents who were once embroiled in a bitter love affair. In a bid to reconcile their parents’ past, they grapple with their own present dilemmas.
-The Review Contains No Spoilers-
Once Upon Two Times Review
The movie starts off by showcasing Ahaan Awasthi and Ruhi Roongta on their last day of college, portraying their deep love for each other and the promises they made. It then fast-forwards five years, revealing that they are still together. However, Ahaan’s life isn’t as fulfilling; his music career hasn’t taken off, leading him to consider abandoning it to pursue studies in business.
The film adeptly weaves the intricate tapestry of their love tale, delicately portraying the nuances of their relationship amidst a backdrop of challenges and moments of pure bliss. Beginning with the spark of their connection during their college days, it navigates through the phases, intricacies, and growth of their bond, inviting audiences into their intimate world. It will make viewers find themselves emotionally invested, fervently cheering for their happiness and eagerly awaiting each chapter of their captivating narrative to unfold.
At its core, the narrative skilfully balances between the exuberance of young love and the reverberations of long-buried secrets. Mittal’s directorial finesse is evident in her ability to harmonise the youthful energy of the central couple with the nuanced complexities of the elder generation. It’s a testament to her directorial prowess, promising a compelling future in Bollywood’s storytelling landscape.
The performances across the ensemble cast are nothing short of remarkable. Anud Singh Dhaka and Kashish Khan exude palpable chemistry that will make you believe in their love, infusing their characters with genuine emotions. Nitesh Pandey has always been a treat to watch on screen, and his character was one of the best, portraying a representation of a good husband and an amazing father. He never overdid anything, which made the movie more funny and enjoyable.
However, while the film’s music subtly enhances the emotional arcs, it doesn’t quite carve a lasting niche in the audience’s memory. The melodies, though complementary, lack the staying power to embed themselves in the viewer’s mind. On a contrasting note, the cinematography paints a vivid canvas, skilfully capturing the story’s essence sans reliance on extravagant visual effects. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, skilfully portraying the narrative’s depth and emotion.
Despite its enthralling storytelling, Once Upon Two Times encounters a slight stumble in pacing during the latter half. This part could have benefited from a tighter edit, potentially elevating the film’s overall impact and narrative flow. Nevertheless, the movie’s feel-good essence remains intact, buoyed by its resonating themes of love, commitment, and the profound ability to rewrite one’s destiny. These compelling themes make it a recommended watch, offering a heartfelt journey that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll.
In essence, the movie stands as a testament to Sonakshi Mittal’s promising directorial debut—a heartfelt narrative that delicately navigates the intricate ties of past connections, profoundly influencing present relationships. It encapsulates the value of passion and dreams while underscoring how evading problems can never truly resolve them. However, it feels like a clearer depiction of Ahaan’s relationship with his deceased mother could have added deeper emotional resonance. Although he was evidently close to his mother, the timeline of her passing and its direct impact on his suffering remained somewhat ambiguous.
Final Thoughts
Once Upon Two Times emerges as a heartfelt portrayal of enduring love, delicately threading the ebbs and flows of Ahaan and Ruhi’s relationship against a backdrop of personal aspirations and familial complexities. Mittal’s directorial finesse shines through in harmonising the youthful fervour of the central characters with the nuanced depths of the older generation. The performances, especially by Anud Singh Dhaka, Kashish Khan, and Nitesh Pandey, breathe life into their roles, creating an emotional investment for the audience.
Though encountering pacing issues in its latter half, the film’s core themes of love, commitment, and self-discovery resonate, leaving a lasting impression. Despite its flaws, The movie remains a recommended watch, offering a tender and resonating journey that lingers, celebrating the power to reshape destinies and embracing the complexities of heartfelt connections.
Once Upon Two Times is now streaming on Zee5.
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